Nothing hits quite as hard as a late-night McDonald’s run — but why not enjoy some fast food from the get-go? After a long day of classes or a full shift at work, the last thing I want to do is cook, and sometimes, the Chick-Fil-A drive-thru is my saving grace. Sure, it’s a far cry from homemade chicken parm, but who says fast food can’t be fancy? Level up your take-out with a nice glass of wine perfectly picked to complement your go-to fast food. Panda Express? Check. Taco Bell? Obviously. Chipotle? We got you covered. Check out our list of 9 fast-food restaurants and wine pairings below.
McDonald’s & Pinot Noir
The best wine to go with a McDonald’s Big Mac is a light-bodied red wine with bright acidity and red fruit flavors, such as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. This will help to cut through the richness of the burger and complement the savory and sweet notes. I’m lovin’ it.
Chick-Fil-A & Sparkling Wine
The best wine to pair with Chick-fil-A’s classic waffle fries is a crisp sparkling champagne or other sparkling wine. These wines have high acidity, which can help cut through the salt and grease when paired with bubbles. Unfortunately, though, this pairing won’t go on Sundays.
Taco Bell & Verdejo
Next time you hit Taco Bell, Live Mas and pair your Crunchwrap with Verdejo — a Spanish white grape variety that produces wines with high acidity and flavors of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruit. These tasting notes will complement the complexity of a Crunchwrap’s many layers, while the acidity helps to cut through the grease.
DQ & Riesling
In general, a sweet wine with high acidity will work well to complement the richness and sweetness of the ice cream in a DQ Blizzard, no matter the specific flavor. Some good options include Moscato d’Asti, Riesling, or Sauternes.
In-N-Out & Zinfandel
Wine Night, Animal Style. The best wine to pair with a Double-Double from In-N-Out is a glass (or two, in the spirit of the 2×2) of light-bodied red wine with bright acidity and red fruit flavors to cut through the rich meat and cheese. Think Pinot Noir or Zinfandel for red, or, if you prefer white, a Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner.
Kentucky Fried Chicken & Gewürztraminer
When pairing with fried chicken, go for a light-bodied red wine with bright acidity and red fruit flavors, but also consider the spiciness of the chicken. If you are ordering the Spicy Original Recipe chicken from KFC, you may want to choose a wine with a bit more sweetness to help balance the heat. And, if you’re ordering a side of coleslaw, consider pairing the wine with those dishes as well. For example, a Riesling or Gewürztraminer.
Panda Express & Sauvignon Blanc
The best wine to pair with Panda Express can depend on the specific dishes you are ordering. However, in general, a crisp and acidic white wine or a light-bodied red wine with bright acidity and red fruit flavors will work well. Try pairing the Orange Chicken with Gewürztraminer or Sauvignon Blanc, and Kung Pao Chicken or Chow Mein with a Riesling.
Domino’s & Cabernet Sauvignon
The best wine to pair with Domino’s pizza depends on the specific toppings on your pizza, but in general, a light-bodied red wine with bright acidity and red fruit flavors will complement dinner nicely. If you are ordering a pizza with a lot of meat toppings, such as pepperoni or sausage, you may want to choose a slightly more full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. If you are ordering a pizza with a lot of vegetables, such as a Veggie Supreme or white pizza, you may want to choose a white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.
Chipotle & Sauvignon Blanc
A versatile white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc can pair well with Chipotle’s iconic chips and guac thanks to its crisp mouth feel. Unfortunately, though, guac (and sav blanc) are still extra.